Static visual field scanning apparatus

ABSTRACT

A static visual field scanning apparatus including: visual field scanning screen generating means; fixation image displaying and controlling means; scan line setting means; scanning point setting means; visual target displaying and controlling means; the first detection means; the second detection means; visual field mapping screen generating means; immediate post first detection scan continuation means; immediate post second detection scan continuation means; response waiting means; visual target display coordinates storing means; visual target perception inability symbol mapping means; the first completion judgement means; the second completion judgement means; post first completion judgement the next scanning point calculation means; and post second completion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a static visual field scanningapparatus, a method for a static visual field scanning apparatus, aprogram for realizing a static visual field scanning apparatus, and acomputer-readable recorded medium.

Previous perimeters include: Goldmann perimeter model 510 [1945] andmodel 940 [1967]; Tubinger perimeter [1957]; and Octopus perimeter[1976].

(See, e.g., the Non-Patent Literature 1.)

The previous perimeters are explained:Goldmann perimeter is the first brightness perimeter, adopting themethod of simultaneous manual recording, with 4 to 60 degrees ofbrightness of the visual target and 6 types of visual angle of thevisual target, capable of examining visual field of visual angle, andwith adjustability of its background brightness. The shortcoming is thatit fails to examine the central region within 5 degrees;

Tubinger perimeter [1957] is the first practical static perimeter,capable of examining the kinetic visual field and the visual field ofcolor, flicker, and etc., adopting the method of simultaneous manualrecording, with 80 degrees of brightness of the visual target and 100degrees of brightness of the fixation image and 5 kinds of color and 6degrees of background brightness, and capable of examining the centraland eccentric vision. Its shortcoming is in the difficulty ofcontrolling the visual target movement, and of adjusting the visualtarget, fixation image, and background illumination lamp;

Octopus perimeter [1976] is the world's first fully automated staticperimeter.

-   Non-patent literature 1: “The latest comprehensive dictionary of    medical science”, Ishiyaku Publishers Inc., 1987, 1990.

Previous perimeters take long time in the examination.

The shapes of scotoma and blind spot detected by previous perimeters arevery rough and the charts obtained from the examinations greatly differfrom the true reflection of the shapes of scotoma and blind for thesubjects. Previous perimeters have failed to detect visual fieldimpairments of early stages.

The aim of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a staticvisual field scanning apparatus that employs the structure andoperational aspect which allow for the maximum reduction of theredundancy such as waits, repetitive examinations, etc. frequentlycaused by previous perimeters, and realizing speeding the examination.

The aim of the present invention is also to provide a static visualfield scanning apparatus capable of reflecting, in much greater detail,the shape of scotoma and blind spot true to a subject into the imageobtained by the examination.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve the above aim,

The invention of claim 1 is a static visual field scanning apparatusincluding:

Means for generating, on an output device, a visual field scanningscreen for scanning a visual field of a subject using a static visualtarget;

Means for displaying and controlling a fixation image to be fixated bythe subject, during a visual field scanning, on the visual fieldscanning screen generated by said visual field scanning screengenerating means;

Means for setting at least one scan line on said visual field scanningscreen;

Means for setting at least one scanning point along the scan line set bysaid scan line setting means;

Means for displaying and controlling the static visual target at ascanning point among the scanning points, to scan the visual fieldcorresponding to said scanning point, which are set, along the scanline, by said scanning point setting means;

Means for detecting only the moment of the outset of the response to bemade, via a first input device, at the time when the static visualtarget, displayed by said visual target displaying and controllingmeans, is perceived;

Means for detecting only the moment of the outset of the response to bemade, via a second input device, at the time when the static visualtarget, displayed by said visual target displaying and controllingmeans, cannot be perceived;

Means for generating a visual field mapping screen, on an output device,to map and display the subject's visual field;

Means, through said visual target displaying and controlling means, forcontinuing the scan of the visual field corresponding to a next scanningpoint by displaying the static visual target to scan the visual fieldcorresponding to the next scanning point, at the next scanning pointamong the scanning points set by said scanning point setting means,immediately after stopping displaying, promptly when detecting theresponse via said first input device through said first detection means,the static visual target displayed by said visual target displaying andcontrolling means at the time of said detection;

Means, through said visual target displaying and controlling means, forcontinuing the scan of the visual field corresponding to a next scanningpoint by displaying the static visual target to scan the visual fieldcorresponding to the next scanning point, at the next scanning pointamong the scanning points set by said scanning point setting means,immediately after stopping displaying, promptly when detecting theresponse via said second input device through said second detectionmeans, the static visual target displayed by said visual targetdisplaying and controlling means at the time of said detection;

Means, through said visual target displaying and controlling means, forwaiting for a response during the period in which the response via saidfirst input device is not detected by said first detection means and theresponse via said second input device is not detected by said seconddetection means;

Means for storing in a memory device the coordinates of the staticvisual target displayed, either at the time of the response via saidfirst input device being detected through said first detection means orat the time of the response via said second input device being detectedthrough said second detection means, by said visual target displayingand controlling means;

Means for, when the response via said second input device is detected bysaid second detection means, recording, in reference to the coordinatesstored in the memory device at the time of said detection by said visualtarget display coordinates storing means, at a position of said visualfield mapping screen which corresponds to said coordinates, a symbolwhich represents the inability to visually perceive the static visualtarget displayed at said coordinates by said visual target displayingand controlling means;

Means, through said immediate post first detection scan continuationmeans, for, when the response via said first input device is detected bysaid first detection means, making a judgement, using an arithmeticunit, about whether the scan of the scanning points along a scan linewhich the static visual target displayed by said visual targetdisplaying and controlling means at the time of said detection, belongedto and lay at has been completed or not;

Means, through said immediate post second detection scan continuationmeans, for, when the response via said second input device is detectedby said second detection means, making a judgement, using the arithmeticunit, about whether the scan of the scanning points along a scan linewhich the static visual target displayed by said visual targetdisplaying and controlling means at the time of said detection, belongedto and lay at has been completed or not;

Means, through said immediate post first detection scan continuationmeans, for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scan line isjudged to be uncompleted by said first completion judgement means,designating through the calculation of the arithmetic unit as the nextscanning point the scanning point that shares the scan line with, and isadjacent to, the static visual target displayed at the time of theresponse via said first input device being detected through said firstdetection means, by said visual target displaying and controlling means,

and for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scan line is judgedto be completed by said first completion judgement means, through thecalculation of the arithmetic unit, switching the scan line for scanningto the scan line adjacent to the scan line which the static visualtarget displayed by said visual target displaying and controlling meansat the time of the response, via said first input device, being detectedthrough said first detection means, belonged to and lay at,and designating as the next scanning point the scanning point that liesin an edge of said scan line;

And means, through said immediate post second detection scancontinuation means, for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scanline is judged to be uncompleted by said second completion judgementmeans, designating through the calculation of the arithmetic unit as thenext scanning point the scanning point that shares the scan line with,and is adjacent to, the static visual target displayed at the time ofthe response via said second input device being detected through saidsecond detection means, by said visual target displaying and controllingmeans,

and for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scan line is judgedto be completed by said second completion judgement means, through thecalculation of the arithmetic unit, switching the scan line for scanningto the scan line adjacent to the scan line which the static visualtarget displayed by said visual target displaying and controlling meansat the time of the response, via said second input device, beingdetected through said second detection means, belonged to and lay at,and designating as the next scanning point the scanning point that liesin an edge of said scan line.

The invention of claim 2 is a computer-readable recorded mediumrecording a program for causing a computer to realize the functionincluding:

Means for generating, on an output device, a visual field scanningscreen for scanning a visual field of a subject using a static visualtarget;

Means for displaying and controlling a fixation image to be fixated bythe subject, during a visual field scanning, on the visual fieldscanning screen generated by said visual field scanning screengenerating means;

Means for setting at least one scan line on said visual field scanningscreen;

Means for setting at least one scanning point along the scan line set bysaid scan line setting means;

Means for displaying and controlling the static visual target at ascanning point among the scanning points, to scan the visual fieldcorresponding to said scanning point, which are set, along the scanline, by said scanning point setting means;

Means for detecting only the moment of the outset of the response to bemade, via a first input device, at the time when the static visualtarget, displayed by said visual target displaying and controllingmeans, is perceived;

Means for detecting only the moment of the outset of the response to bemade, via a second input device, at the time when the static visualtarget, displayed by said visual target displaying and controllingmeans, cannot be perceived;

Means for generating a visual field mapping screen, on an output device,to map and display the subject's visual field;

Means, through said visual target displaying and controlling means, forcontinuing the scan of the visual field corresponding to a next scanningpoint by displaying the static visual target to scan the visual fieldcorresponding to the next scanning point, at the next scanning pointamong the scanning points set by said scanning point setting means,immediately after stopping displaying, promptly when detecting theresponse via said first input device through said first detection means,the static visual target displayed by said visual target displaying andcontrolling means at the time of said detection;

Means, through said visual target displaying and controlling means, forcontinuing the scan of the visual field corresponding to a next scanningpoint by displaying the static visual target to scan the visual fieldcorresponding to the next scanning point, at the next scanning pointamong the scanning points set by said scanning point setting means,immediately after stopping displaying, promptly when detecting theresponse via said second input device through said second detectionmeans, the static visual target displayed by said visual targetdisplaying and controlling means at the time of said detection;

Means, through said visual target displaying and controlling means, forwaiting for a response during the period in which the response via saidfirst input device is not detected by said first detection means and theresponse via said second input device is not detected by said seconddetection means;

Means for storing in a memory device the coordinates of the staticvisual target displayed, either at the time of the response via saidfirst input device being detected through said first detection means orat the time of the response via said second input device being detectedthrough said second detection means, by said visual target displayingand controlling means;

Means for, when the response via said second input device is detected bysaid second detection means, recording, in reference to the coordinatesstored in the memory device at the time of said detection by said visualtarget display coordinates storing means, at a position of said visualfield mapping screen which corresponds to said coordinates, a symbolwhich represents the inability to visually perceive the static visualtarget displayed at said coordinates by said visual target displayingand controlling means;

Means, through said immediate post first detection scan continuationmeans, for, when the response via said first input device is detected bysaid first detection means, making a judgement, using an arithmeticunit, about whether the scan of the scanning points along a scan linewhich the static visual target displayed by said visual targetdisplaying and controlling means at the time of said detection, belongedto and lay at has been completed or not;

Means, through said immediate post second detection scan continuationmeans, for, when the response via said second input device is detectedby said second detection means, making a judgement, using the arithmeticunit, about whether the scan of the scanning points along a scan linewhich the static visual target displayed by said visual targetdisplaying and controlling means at the time of said detection, belongedto and lay at has been completed or not;

Means, through said immediate post first detection scan continuationmeans, for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scan line isjudged to be uncompleted by said first completion judgement means,designating through the calculation of the arithmetic unit as the nextscanning point the scanning point that shares the scan line with, and isadjacent to, the static visual target displayed at the time of theresponse via said first input device being detected through said firstdetection means, by said visual target displaying and controlling means,

and for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scan line is judgedto be completed by said first completion judgement means, through thecalculation of the arithmetic unit, switching the scan line for scanningto the scan line adjacent to the scan line which the static visualtarget displayed by said visual target displaying and controlling meansat the time of the response, via said first input device, being detectedthrough said first detection means, belonged to and lay at,and designating as the next scanning point the scanning point that liesin an edge of said scan line;

And means, through said immediate post second detection scancontinuation means, for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scanline is judged to be uncompleted by said second completion judgementmeans, designating through the calculation of the arithmetic unit as thenext scanning point the scanning point that shares the scan line with,and is adjacent to, the static visual target displayed at the time ofthe response via said second input device being detected through saidsecond detection means, by said visual target displaying and controllingmeans,

and for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scan line is judgedto be completed by said second completion judgement means, through thecalculation of the arithmetic unit, switching the scan line for scanningto the scan line adjacent to the scan line which the static visualtarget displayed by said visual target displaying and controlling meansat the time of the response, via said second input device, beingdetected through said second detection means, belonged to and lay at,and designating as the next scanning point the scanning point that liesin an edge of said scan line.

The static visual field scanning apparatus of the present inventionemploying the structure and operational aspect which allow for themaximum reduction of the redundancy arising in previous perimeters isprominently light in its operation and capable of scanning a very largeramount of scanning points within a predetermined time using the staticvisual target.

So, the examination detailed and quick compared with those of previousperimeters can be realized.

As explicitly shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8 that are examples of the visualfield mapping image generated by a static visual field scanningapparatus of the present invention, the static visual field scanningapparatus of the present invention can map not only the forms of ascotoma 201 and a blind spot 203, but also the form of a connection ofscotoma to blind spot 202 in detail.

The static visual field scanning apparatus of the present invention cangenerate, from the data obtained by its static visual field scanning,the visual field mapping image proper for being called scan of staticvisual field, strongly indicating the retinal structure and so forth.

The static visual field scanning apparatus of the present invention maybe embodied by a simple setup without the need for voluminous equipmentsuch as Goldmann perimeter or the like.

The static visual field scanning apparatus of the present invention canexamine the central portion within 5 degrees of the visual field.

So, according to the first invention of an operational method for astatic visual field scanning apparatus, the visual field mapping image,for example, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8 can be obtained by the staticvisual field scanning.

So, according to the second invention of a computer-readable recordedmedium which records a program for realizing a static visual fieldscanning apparatus, the visual field mapping image, for example, asshown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8 can be obtained by the static visual fieldscanning of the static visual field scanning apparatus that can berealized by loading into a computer and carrying out the program forrealizing a static visual field scanning apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an image demonstrating an embodiment of the visual fieldmapping image generated by a preferred scanning of the present inventionof a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of thescanning, operation, and visual field mapping aspect of the presentinvention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the system of thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 4A is a flow chart showing a preferred embodiment of the staticvisual field scanning and visual field mapping process of the presentinvention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 4B is a continued flow chart showing a preferred embodiment of thestatic visual field scanning and visual field mapping process of thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 5A is a continued flow chart showing a preferred embodiment of thestatic visual field scanning and visual field mapping process of thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 5B is a continued flow chart showing a preferred embodiment of thestatic visual field scanning and visual field mapping process of thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a continued flow chart showing a preferred embodiment of thestatic visual field scanning and visual field mapping process of thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the hardwareconfiguration of a CPU in the present invention of a static visual fieldscanning apparatus.

FIG. 8 is an image demonstrating an embodiment of the visual fieldmapping image generated by a preferred scanning of the present inventionof a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a preferred embodiment of the display screenof the present invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed explanation of the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus, a method for a static visual field scanningapparatus, a program for realizing a static visual field scanningapparatus, and a computer-readable recorded medium will be disclosed asbelow while referring to the drawings.

Firstly, a setup of the present invention of the perimeter is describedreferring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the system of the present invention of astatic visual field scanning apparatus.FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the hardware configuration of a CPU 501 inthe present invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows a computer system 301 diagrammatically.

The present invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus isrealized by the computer system 301 carrying out a program for realizingthe static visual field scanning apparatus.As shown in FIG. 3, the computer system 301 realizing an embodiment ofthe present invention of a static visual field scanning apparatusincludes a main unit 302 that is equipped with a CPU (Central ProcessingUnit) 501, etc., which will be mentioned later, a keyboard 303, (ifnecessary, a mouse 306), a display 304, and a printer 305 (and ifnecessary, a speaker 307 too).

Next, an embodiment of the hardware configuration of the CPU 501 in thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus isdescribed referring to FIG. 7.

The CPU 501 in the present invention of a static visual field scanningapparatus is configured specifically including:a microprocessor such as the CPU 501, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 502,a ROM (Read Only Memory) 503, a HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 504, a keyboard303, a mouse 306, a display 304, a printer 305, a speaker 307, and acommunications interface.These parts are connected via a bus 505.(The HDD 504 is connected through the input-output interface to the bus505.)The keyboard 303 is connected through the input-output interface to thebus 505, which enables output to the CPU 501 of input by the keyboard303.The display 304 is connected through the input-output interface to thebus 505, which enables output to the display 304 of image data inputfrom the CPU 501.The printer 305 is connected through the input-output interface to thebus 505, which enables output by the printer 305 of input from the CPU501. (The speaker 307 is connected through the input-output interface tothe bus 505, which enables output by the speaker 307 of input from theCPU 501.)(The mouse 306 is connected through the input-output interface to thebus 505, which enables output to the CPU 501 of input through the mouse306.)

The CPU 501 carries out operations characteristic of an embodiment ofthe present invention, by loading onto the RAM 502 a program, which isstored in the HDD (Hard Disc Drive) 504, for realizing the presentinvention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

The CPU 501 carries out controls, and kinds of arithmetic processing, ofthe present invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus,according to a program for realizing the present invention of a staticvisual field scanning apparatus.

The CPU 501 controls display processing of the display 304 (an exampleof the output device). (Specifically, the CPU 501, for example,displaying and controlling a fixation image and a visual target, andgenerating a visual field mapping image from a data obtained by thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.)The CPU 501 controls the present invention of a static visual fieldscanning apparatus according to input by the keyboard 303 (an example ofthe input device).The CPU 501 can control the printer 305 and the like so as to output thevisual field mapping image, etc. that are generated based on the dataobtained from a static visual field scanning apparatus.

(If necessary,

the CPU 501 may control the speaker 307 (an example of the outputdevice) to produce output (for example, according to input by an inputdevice such as the keyboard 303 or the like, or, for example, when thescan line is switched in the static visual field scanning, or, forexample, when the visual field mapping image is output, or the like).)

(The CPU 501 may control the present invention of a static visual fieldscanning apparatus according to input from the mouse 306 (an example ofthe input device).)

The keyboard 303 (and if necessary, the mouse 306) and the display 304are used as user interfaces in the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus.

The keyboard 303 is used, for example, as a device for input (the inputdevice).(If necessary, the mouse 306 is used as a device for performing variouskinds of operations of input to the display screen of the display 304.)

The display 304 is a display device (the output device), for example, ofa LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), or the like,which scans a visual field in accordance with the present invention of astatic visual field scanning apparatus, and displays a visual fieldmapping image generated by the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus.

(If necessary, various screens such as an operation screen and a settingscreen may be displayed on the display 304.)

And when the CPU 501 is connected to communications network such as theInternet and a LAN (Local Area Network), the communications interfacecan be equipped with a network adapter such as a LAN card orcommunications equipment such as a modem, in order to establish datacommunication among the network. In such a case, by installing on thenetwork a server storing a program for realizing the present inventionof a static visual field scanning apparatus, and configuring the CPU 501as a client terminal of the server, the operation of the presentinvention of a static visual field scanning apparatus can be carried outby a static visual field scanning apparatus.

A program for realizing the present invention of a static visual fieldscanning apparatus can be stored on any computer-readable recordingmedia (storage media).

Examples of such recording media (storage media) include an opticaldisk, a magneto-optic disk (CD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, MO, etc.), amagnetic-storage device (hard disk, Floppy Disk™, ZIP, etc.), asemiconductor memory, etc.

Next, the detailed explanation regarding the present invention of astatic visual field scanning apparatus, operational method of a staticvisual field scanning apparatus, and program for realizing a staticvisual field scanning apparatus will be described while referring toFIG. 2, FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, FIG. 6, and FIG. 9, asbelow.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the scanning, operation, and static visualfield mapping aspect of the present invention of a static visual fieldscanning apparatus.

FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6 show an embodiment of thestatic visual field scanning and visual field mapping process of thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of the display screen of the presentinvention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

First, referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the scanning, operation,and visual field mapping aspect of the present invention of a staticvisual field scanning apparatus is described in detail.

A CPU 501 generates a visual field scanning screen 1 on an output device(for example, a display 304). (A visual field scanning screen generatingmeans.)

The CPU 501 displays a fixation image 2 at a predetermined position onthe visual field scanning screen 1 in accordance with a program forrealizing the present invention of a static visual field scanningapparatus. (A fixation image displaying and controlling means.)

The fixation image 2 is to be fixated by an eye of a subject duringstatic visual field scanning.

The CPU 501 sets, in a scanning region 1A set in the visual fieldscanning screen 1, a plurality of scan lines according to the programfor realizing the present invention of a static visual field scanningapparatus. For example, the CPU 501 arranges from an upper side of thescreen a scan line R1, a scan line R2, . . . , and a scan line Rm inorder, each with a predetermined spacing (for example, in the ydirection). (A scan line setting means.)

The CPU 501 does not display such scan lines on the visual fieldscanning screen 1, since each of them is set as a path along which thelocation of a static visual target changes in the visual field scanning.(Although scan lines are horizontally set in FIG. 2, they may be setwith other directionality.)

(A scanning region 1A may be set over the visual field scanning screen1.)

The CPU 501 displays first, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R11 in a left side of the scanning region 1A on the scanline R1 in accordance with the program for realizing the presentinvention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forming a partof visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R11, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via a first input device (for example, a right cursor key 303Ain an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by a firstdetection means and the response via a second input device (for example,a left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the present invention) is notdetected by a second detection means, in accordance with the program forrealizing the present invention of a static visual field scanningapparatus. (A response waiting means.)

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the first input device is,for example, a right cursor key 303A, and the second input device is,for example, a left cursor key 303B. And in an embodiment of the presentinvention of a static visual field scanning apparatus, the response ismade by a momentary depression of the right cursor key 303A when thestatic visual target displayed in the visual field scanning screen 1 canbe perceived by the subject, and the response is made by a momentarydepression of the left cursor key 303B when the static visual targetdisplayed in the visual field scanning screen 1 cannot be perceived bythe subject.)

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the first detection means isa means for detecting only the moment of the outset of the responsemade, via the first input device (for example, a right cursor key 303Ain an embodiment of the present invention), when the static visualtarget displayed in the visual field scanning screen 1 can be perceived.That is, in an embodiment of the present invention, for example, thesubject makes the response of the static visual target beingperceivable, by momentary depressing the right cursor key 303A when thesubject can perceive the static visual target displayed in the visualfield scanning screen 1, and the first detection means carries out theoperation of detecting only the moment of the outset of the depressionof the right cursor key 303A, and leaving undetected the after periodwhere the depression of the right cursor key 303A is continuing (in themomentary depression). That is, the first detection means operates todetect only the instant of the depression of the right cursor key 303A.That is, the first detection means operates to transmit the informationonly once of the depression when the right cursor key 303A is depressed,and after that not to transmit the information of the depression untilthe depressed right cursor key 303A is released.)

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the second detection meansis a means for detecting only the moment of the outset of the responsemade, via the second input device (for example, a left cursor key 303Bin an embodiment of the present invention), when the static visualtarget displayed in the visual field scanning screen 1 cannot beperceived. That is, in an embodiment of the present invention, forexample, the subject makes the response of the static visual targetbeing unperceivable, by momentary depressing the left cursor key 303Bwhen the subject cannot perceive the static visual target displayed inthe visual field scanning screen 1, and the second detection meanscarries out the operation of detecting only the moment of the outset ofthe depression of the left cursor key 303B, and leaving undetected theafter period where the depression of the left cursor key 303B iscontinuing (in the momentary depression). That is, the second detectionmeans operates to detect only the instant of the depression of the leftcursor key 303B. That is, the second detection means operates totransmit the information only once of the depression when the leftcursor key 303B is depressed, and after that not to transmit theinformation of the depression until the depressed left cursor key 303Bis released.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 canvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R11.

The subject makes, at the time when the subject was able to visuallyperceive in the visual field the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R11, the response of the static visual target beingperceivable (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention), via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R12) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R12), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R12), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the first detection means (in this case, the responsemade by the subject of the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R11 being perceivable in the visual field), the displayedstatic visual target (the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R11). (Forming a part of visual target displaying and controllingmeans.)

(An immediate post first detection scan continuation means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point R12) isdetermined by a first completion judgement means and a post firstcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)(That is, the CPU 501, after detecting the response via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention) through the first detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R11 being perceivable in the visual field), makes ajudgement, using an arithmetic unit, about whether the scan of thescanning points along the scan line (i.e., the scan line R1) which thestatic visual target displayed in the visual field scanning screen 1 atthe time of the detection (the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R11), belonged to and lay at has been completed or not(whether the scan along the scan line R1 has been completed up to thescanning point R1 n or not). (A first completion judgement means.)

(In this instance, the CPU 501 makes a judgement that the scan of thescanning points on the scan line (the scan line R1) (the scan up to thescanning point R1 n) is uncompleted, and designates through thecalculation of the arithmetic unit as the next scanning point thescanning point (the scanning point R12) that shares the scan line (thescan line R1) with, and is adjacent to, the static visual targetdisplayed at the time of the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the first detection means (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point R11).) (A post firstcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)

(In an embodiment of the present invention of a static visual fieldscanning apparatus, even, for example, if the subject were holding downthe right cursor key 303A, the scanning point as the next scanning pointwill not move from the scanning point R12 to the scanning point R13 andto the scanning point R14, . . . , etc., for example. The scanning pointoperates to move only once to one depression of the right cursor key303A.)

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R12 in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R12, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 canvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R12 as well.

The subject makes, at the time when the subject was able to visuallyperceive in the visual field the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R12, the response of the static visual target beingperceivable (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention), via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R13) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R13), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R13), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the first detection means (in this case, the responsemade by the subject of the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R12 being perceivable in the visual field), the displayedstatic visual target (the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R12). (Forming a part of visual target displaying and controllingmeans.)

(An immediate post first detection scan continuation means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point R13) isdetermined by the first completion judgement means and the post firstcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)(That is, the CPU 501, after detecting the response via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention) through the first detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R12 being perceivable in the visual field), makes ajudgement, using the arithmetic unit, about whether the scan of thescanning points along the scan line (i.e., the scan line R1) which thestatic visual target displayed in the visual field scanning screen 1 atthe time of the detection (the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R12), belonged to and lay at has been completed or not(whether the scan along the scan line R1 has been completed up to thescanning point R1 n or not). (A first completion judgement means.)

(In this instance, the CPU 501 makes a judgement that the scan of thescanning points on the scan line (the scan line R1) (the scan up to thescanning point R1 n) is uncompleted, and designates through thecalculation of the arithmetic unit as the next scanning point thescanning point (the scanning point R13) that shares the scan line (thescan line R1) with, and is adjacent to, the static visual targetdisplayed at the time of the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the first detection means (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point R12).) (A post firstcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R13 in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R13, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 canvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R13 as well.

The subject makes, at the time when the subject was able to visuallyperceive in the visual field the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R13, the response of the static visual target beingperceivable (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention), via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R14) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R14), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R14), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the first detection means (in this case, the responsemade by the subject of the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R13 being perceivable in the visual field), the displayedstatic visual target (the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R13). (Forming a part of visual target displaying and controllingmeans.)

(An immediate post first detection scan continuation means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point R14) isdetermined by the first completion judgement means and the post firstcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means. (Likethe case where the scanning point R12 was determined as a next scanningpoint and like the case where the scanning point R13 was determined as anext scanning point, as mentioned above.))

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R14 in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R14, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 canvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R14 as well.

The subject makes, at the time when the subject was able to visuallyperceive in the visual field the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R14, the response of the static visual target beingperceivable (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention), via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R15) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R15), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R15), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the first detection means (in this case, the responsemade by the subject of the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R14 being perceivable in the visual field), the displayedstatic visual target (the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R14). (Forming a part of visual target displaying and controllingmeans.)

(An immediate post first detection scan continuation means.)

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R15 in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R15, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 canvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R15 as well.

The subject makes, at the time when the subject was able to visuallyperceive in the visual field the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R15, the response of the static visual target beingperceivable (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention), via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R16) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R16), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R16), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the first detection means (in this case, the responsemade by the subject of the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R15 being perceivable in the visual field), the displayedstatic visual target (the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R15). (Forming a part of visual target displaying and controllingmeans.)

(An immediate post first detection scan continuation means.)

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R16 in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R16, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 cannotvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R16.

When the subject cannot perceive in the visual field the static visualtarget displayed at the scanning point R16, the subject caninstantaneously make a response of the static visual target (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point R16) being unperceivable(for example, the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention), via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R17) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R17), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R17), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the second detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R16 being unperceivable in the visual field), thedisplayed static visual target (the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R16). (Forming a part of visual target displaying andcontrolling means.)

(An immediate post second detection scan continuation means.)

The CPU 501 stores in a memory device (for example, such as a RAM 502, aHDD 504, etc.) the coordinates of the static visual target displayed,either at the time of the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention) being detectedthrough the first detection means or at the time of the response via thesecond input device (for example, the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention) (for example, the momentarydepression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the second detection means, in thevisual field scanning screen 1 by the CPU 501 (Forming a part of visualtarget display coordinates storing means),

and when the response via the second input device (for example, the leftcursor key 303B in an embodiment of the present invention) (for example,the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment ofthe present invention) is detected by the second detection means, theCPU 501 records, in reference to the coordinates stored in the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) at the timeof the detection (in this instance, the coordinates of the scanningpoint R16), at a position of a visual field mapping screen 3 (the CPU501 generates the visual field mapping screen 3 on an output device (forexample, the display 304, etc.). (the visual field mapping screen 3 maybe generated on the output device when the CPU 501 generates the visualfield scanning screen 1 on the output device.) (A visual field mappingscreen generating means.)) which corresponds to the coordinates (in thisinstance, the coordinates of the scanning point R16), a symbol (in thisinstance, a visual target perception inability symbol f16) whichrepresents the inability to visually perceive the static visual targetdisplayed at the coordinates (in this instance, the coordinates of thescanning point R16) by the CPU 501. (A visual target perceptioninability symbol mapping means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point R17) isdetermined by a second completion judgement means and a post secondcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)(That is, the CPU 501, after detecting the response via the second inputdevice (for example, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of thepresent invention) through the second detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R16 being unperceivable in the visual field), makes ajudgement, using the arithmetic unit, about whether the scan of thescanning points along the scan line (i.e., the scan line R1) which thestatic visual target displayed in the visual field scanning screen 1 atthe time of the detection (the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R16), belonged to and lay at has been completed or not(whether the scan along the scan line R1 has been completed up to thescanning point R1 n or not). (A second completion judgement means.)

(In this instance, the CPU 501 makes a judgement that the scan of thescanning points on the scan line (the scan line R1) (the scan up to thescanning point R1 n) is uncompleted, and designates through thecalculation of the arithmetic unit as the next scanning point thescanning point (the scanning point R17) that shares the scan line (thescan line R1) with, and is adjacent to, the static visual targetdisplayed at the time of the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the second detection means (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point R16).) (A post secondcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)

(In an embodiment of the present invention of a static visual fieldscanning apparatus, even, for example, if the subject were holding downthe left cursor key 303B, the scanning point as the next scanning pointwill not move from the scanning point R17 to the scanning point R18 andto the scanning point R19, . . . , etc., for example. The scanning pointoperates to move only once to one depression of the left cursor key303B.)

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R17 in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R17, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 cannotvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R17 as well.

When the subject cannot perceive in the visual field the static visualtarget displayed at the scanning point R17, the subject caninstantaneously make a response of the static visual target (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point R17) being unperceivable(for example, the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention), via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R18) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R18), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R18), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the second detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R17 being unperceivable in the visual field), thedisplayed static visual target (the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R17). (Forming a part of visual target displaying andcontrolling means.)

(An immediate post second detection scan continuation means.)

The CPU 501 stores in the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD 504, etc.) the coordinates of the static visual targetdisplayed, either at the time of the response via the first input device(for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention) being detectedthrough the first detection means or at the time of the response via thesecond input device (for example, the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention) (for example, the momentarydepression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the second detection means, in thevisual field scanning screen 1 by the CPU 501 (Forming a part of visualtarget display coordinates storing means),

and when the response via the second input device (for example, the leftcursor key 303B in an embodiment of the present invention) (for example,the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment ofthe present invention) is detected by the second detection means, theCPU 501 records, in reference to the coordinates stored in the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) at the timeof the detection (in this instance, the coordinates of the scanningpoint R17), at a position of a visual field mapping screen 3 (the CPU501 generates the visual field mapping screen 3 on an output device (forexample, the display 304, etc.). (the visual field mapping screen 3 maybe generated on the output device when the CPU 501 generates the visualfield scanning screen 1 on the output device.) (A visual field mappingscreen generating means.)) which corresponds to the coordinates (in thisinstance, the coordinates of the scanning point R17), a symbol (in thisinstance, a visual target perception inability symbol f17) whichrepresents the inability to visually perceive the static visual targetdisplayed at the coordinates (in this instance, the coordinates of thescanning point R17) by the CPU 501. (A visual target perceptioninability symbol mapping means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point R18) isdetermined by the second completion judgement means and the post secondcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means. (Likethe case where the scanning point R17 was determined as a next scanningpoint, as mentioned above.))

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R18 in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R18, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 cannotvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R18 as well.

When the subject cannot perceive in the visual field the static visualtarget displayed at the scanning point R18, the subject caninstantaneously make a response of the static visual target (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point R18) being unperceivable(for example, the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention), via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R19) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R19), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R19), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the second detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R18 being unperceivable in the visual field), thedisplayed static visual target (the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R18). (Forming a part of visual target displaying andcontrolling means.)

(An immediate post second detection scan continuation means.)

The CPU 501 stores in the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD 504, etc.) the coordinates of the static visual targetdisplayed, either at the time of the response via the first input device(for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention) being detectedthrough the first detection means or at the time of the response via thesecond input device (for example, the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention) (for example, the momentarydepression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the second detection means, in thevisual field scanning screen 1 by the CPU 501 (Forming a part of visualtarget display coordinates storing means),

and when the response via the second input device (for example, the leftcursor key 303B in an embodiment of the present invention) (for example,the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment ofthe present invention) is detected by the second detection means, theCPU 501 records, in reference to the coordinates stored in the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) at the timeof the detection (in this instance, the coordinates of the scanningpoint R18), at a position of a visual field mapping screen 3 whichcorresponds to the coordinates (in this instance, the coordinates of thescanning point R18), a symbol (in this instance, a visual targetperception inability symbol f18) which represents the inability tovisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the coordinates(in this instance, the coordinates of the scanning point R18) by the CPU501. (A visual target perception inability symbol mapping means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point R19) isdetermined by the second completion judgement means and the post secondcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)

After the similar processing, the CPU 501 displays now a static visualtarget at a scanning point R110, for example. (Forming a part of visualtarget displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R110, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 cannotvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R110 as well.

When the subject cannot perceive in the visual field the static visualtarget displayed at the scanning point R110, the subject caninstantaneously make a response of the static visual target (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point R110) being unperceivable(for example, the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention), via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R111) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R111), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R111), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the second detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R110 being unperceivable in the visual field), thedisplayed static visual target (the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R110). (Forming a part of visual target displayingand controlling means.)

(An immediate post second detection scan continuation means.)

The CPU 501 stores in the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD 504, etc.) the coordinates of the static visual targetdisplayed, either at the time of the response via the first input device(for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention) being detectedthrough the first detection means or at the time of the response via thesecond input device (for example, the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention) (for example, the momentarydepression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the second detection means, in thevisual field scanning screen 1 by the CPU 501 (Forming a part of visualtarget display coordinates storing means),

and when the response via the second input device (for example, the leftcursor key 303B in an embodiment of the present invention) (for example,the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment ofthe present invention) is detected by the second detection means, theCPU 501 records, in reference to the coordinates stored in the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) at the timeof the detection (in this instance, the coordinates of the scanningpoint R110), at a position of a visual field mapping screen 3 whichcorresponds to the coordinates (in this instance, the coordinates of thescanning point R110), a symbol (in this instance, a visual targetperception inability symbol f110) which represents the inability tovisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the coordinates(in this instance, the coordinates of the scanning point R110) by theCPU 501. (A visual target perception inability symbol mapping means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point R111) isdetermined by the second completion judgement means and the post secondcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R111 in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R111, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 canvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R111.

The subject makes, at the time when the subject was able to visuallyperceive in the visual field the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R111, the response of the static visual target beingperceivable (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention), via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R112) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R112), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R112), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the first detection means (in this case, the responsemade by the subject of the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R111 being perceivable in the visual field), thedisplayed static visual target (the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R111). (Forming a part of visual target displayingand controlling means.)

(An immediate post first detection scan continuation means.)

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R112 in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R112, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 canvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R112 as well.

The subject makes, at the time when the subject was able to visuallyperceive in the visual field the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R112, the response of the static visual target beingperceivable (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention), via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R113) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R113), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R113), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the first detection means (in this case, the responsemade by the subject of the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R112 being perceivable in the visual field), thedisplayed static visual target (the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R112). (Forming a part of visual target displayingand controlling means.)

(An immediate post first detection scan continuation means.)

After the similar processing, the CPU 501 displays now a static visualtarget at a scanning point R1(n−1), for example. (Forming a part ofvisual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R1(n−1), waits for a response during the period in whichthe response via the first input device (for example, the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected bythe first detection means and the response via the second input device(for example, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 cannotvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R1(n−1).

When the subject cannot perceive in the visual field the static visualtarget displayed at the scanning point R1(n−1), the subject caninstantaneously make a response of the static visual target (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point R1(n−1)) beingunperceivable (for example, the momentary depression of the left cursorkey 303B in an embodiment of the present invention), via the secondinput device (for example, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment ofthe present invention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R1 n) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R1 n), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R1 n), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the second detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R1(n−1) being unperceivable in the visual field), thedisplayed static visual target (the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R1(n−1)). (Forming a part of visual target displayingand controlling means.)

(An immediate post second detection scan continuation means.)

The CPU 501 stores in the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD 504, etc.) the coordinates of the static visual targetdisplayed, either at the time of the response via the first input device(for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention) being detectedthrough the first detection means or at the time of the response via thesecond input device (for example, the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention) (for example, the momentarydepression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the second detection means, in thevisual field scanning screen 1 by the CPU 501 (Forming a part of visualtarget display coordinates storing means),

and when the response via the second input device (for example, the leftcursor key 303B in an embodiment of the present invention) (for example,the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment ofthe present invention) is detected by the second detection means, theCPU 501 records, in reference to the coordinates stored in the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) at the timeof the detection (in this instance, the coordinates of the scanningpoint R1(n−1)), at a position of a visual field mapping screen 3 whichcorresponds to the coordinates (in this instance, the coordinates of thescanning point R1(n−1)), a symbol (in this instance, a visual targetperception inability symbol f1(n−1)) which represents the inability tovisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the coordinates(in this instance, the coordinates of the scanning point R1(n−1)) by theCPU 501. (A visual target perception inability symbol mapping means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point R1 n) isdetermined by the second completion judgement means and the post secondcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R1 n in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R1 n, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 cannotvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R1 n.

When the subject cannot perceive in the visual field the static visualtarget displayed at the scanning point R1 n, the subject caninstantaneously make a response of the static visual target (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point R1 n) being unperceivable(for example, the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention), via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R21) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R21), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R21), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the second detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R1 n being unperceivable in the visual field), thedisplayed static visual target (the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R1 n). (Forming a part of visual target displayingand controlling means.)

(An immediate post second detection scan continuation means.)(In the scanning aspect of an embodiment of the present invention of astatic visual field scanning apparatus, the scanning by the staticvisual target begins at the location of the scanning point R11 andadvances from the scanning point R11, rightward along the scan line R1,to the scanning point R11, to the scanning point R12, . . . , and to thescanning point R1 n, and after completing the scan of the scanning pointR1 n in a right edge of the scanning region 1A, the scan line isswitched to the scan line R2 which is located inferior to, and adjacentto, the scan line R1, and the similar scanning is conducted rightwardalong the scan line R2 from the scanning point R21 of a left edge of thescanning region 1A, and by iterating the similar switching of the scanline and the similar scanning along the scan line, the scanning isconducted up to the scanning point Rmn of a lower right corner of thescanning region 1A, but the scanning aspect using the static visualtarget may be set otherwise, with each scan line alternating itsdirectionality of scanning, such as a rightward scanning on the scanline R1, a leftward scanning on the scan line R2, a rightward scanningon the scan line R3, etc.)

The CPU 501 stores in the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD 504, etc.) the coordinates of the static visual targetdisplayed, either at the time of the response via the first input device(for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention) being detectedthrough the first detection means or at the time of the response via thesecond input device (for example, the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention) (for example, the momentarydepression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the second detection means, in thevisual field scanning screen 1 by the CPU 501 (Forming a part of visualtarget display coordinates storing means),

and when the response via the second input device (for example, the leftcursor key 303B in an embodiment of the present invention) (for example,the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment ofthe present invention) is detected by the second detection means, theCPU 501 records, in reference to the coordinates stored in the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) at the timeof the detection (in this instance, the coordinates of the scanningpoint R1 n), at a position of a visual field mapping screen 3 whichcorresponds to the coordinates (in this instance, the coordinates of thescanning point R1 n), a symbol (in this instance, a visual targetperception inability symbol f1 n) which represents the inability tovisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the coordinates(in this instance, the coordinates of the scanning point R1 n) by theCPU 501. (A visual target perception inability symbol mapping means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point R21) isdetermined by the second completion judgement means and the post secondcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.) (Thatis, the CPU 501, after detecting the response via the second inputdevice (for example, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of thepresent invention) through the second detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R1 n being unperceivable in the visual field), makesa judgement, using the arithmetic unit, about whether the scan of thescanning points along the scan line (i.e., the scan line R1) which thestatic visual target displayed in the visual field scanning screen 1 atthe time of the detection (the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R1 n), belonged to and lay at has been completed or not(whether the scan along the scan line R1 has been completed up to thescanning point R1 n or not). (A second completion judgement means.)

(In this instance, the CPU 501 makes a judgement through the calculationof the arithmetic unit that the scan of the scanning points on the scanline (the scan line R1) (the scan up to the scanning point R1 n) iscompleted, and switches the scan line for scanning to the scan line (thescan line R2, in an embodiment of the present invention) adjacent to thescan line (the scan line R1) which the static visual target displayed bythe CPU 501 at the time of the response (for example, the momentarydepression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention), via the second input device (for example, the left cursorkey 303B in an embodiment of the present invention), being detectedthrough the second detection means, belonged to and lay at,

and designates as the next scanning point the scanning point (set, in anembodiment of the present invention, at the scanning point R21 locatedin a left edge of the scan line R2) that lies in an edge of the scanline (the scan line R2 in an embodiment of the present invention).(A post second completion judgement the next scanning point calculationmeans.)(In an embodiment of the present invention of a static visual fieldscanning apparatus, even, for example, if the subject were holding downthe left cursor key 303B, the scanning point as the next scanning pointwill not move from the scanning point R21 to the scanning point R22, . .. , etc., for example. The scanning point operates to move only once toone depression of the left cursor key 303B.)

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point R21 in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point R21, waits for a response during the period in which theresponse via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected by thefirst detection means and the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 cannotvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint R21.

When the subject cannot perceive in the visual field the static visualtarget displayed at the scanning point R21, the subject caninstantaneously make a response of the static visual target (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point R21) being unperceivable(for example, the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention), via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point R22) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point R22), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point R22), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the second input device (forexample, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the second detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R21 being unperceivable in the visual field), thedisplayed static visual target (the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R21). (Forming a part of visual target displaying andcontrolling means.)

(An immediate post second detection scan continuation means.)

The CPU 501 stores in the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD 504, etc.) the coordinates of the static visual targetdisplayed, either at the time of the response via the first input device(for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention) being detectedthrough the first detection means or at the time of the response via thesecond input device (for example, the left cursor key 303B in anembodiment of the present invention) (for example, the momentarydepression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the second detection means, in thevisual field scanning screen 1 by the CPU 501 (Forming a part of visualtarget display coordinates storing means),

and when the response via the second input device (for example, the leftcursor key 303B in an embodiment of the present invention) (for example,the momentary depression of the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment ofthe present invention) is detected by the second detection means, theCPU 501 records, in reference to the coordinates stored in the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) at the timeof the detection (in this instance, the coordinates of the scanningpoint R21), at a position of a visual field mapping screen 3 whichcorresponds to the coordinates (in this instance, the coordinates of thescanning point R21), a symbol (in this instance, a visual targetperception inability symbol f21) which represents the inability tovisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the coordinates(in this instance, the coordinates of the scanning point R21) by the CPU501. (A visual target perception inability symbol mapping means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point R22) isdetermined by the second completion judgement means and the post secondcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.) (Thatis, the CPU 501, after detecting the response via the second inputdevice (for example, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of thepresent invention) through the second detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point R21 being unperceivable in the visual field), makes ajudgement, using the arithmetic unit, about whether the scan of thescanning points along the scan line (i.e., the scan line R2) which thestatic visual target displayed in the visual field scanning screen 1 atthe time of the detection (the static visual target displayed at thescanning point R21), belonged to and lay at has been completed or not(whether the scan along the scan line R2 has been completed up to thescanning point of a right edge or not). (A second completion judgementmeans.)(In this instance, the CPU 501 makes a judgement that the scan of thescanning points on the scan line (the scan line R2) (the scan along thescan line R2 up to the scanning point of a right edge (of the scanningregion 1A)) is uncompleted, and designates through the calculation ofthe arithmetic unit as the next scanning point the scanning point (thescanning point R22) that shares the scan line (the scan line R2) with,and is adjacent to, the static visual target displayed at the time ofthe response via the second input device (for example, the left cursorkey 303B in an embodiment of the present invention) being detectedthrough the second detection means (the static visual target displayedat the scanning point R21).) (A post second completion judgement thenext scanning point calculation means.)

After the similar processing, the CPU 501 displays now a static visualtarget at a scanning point Rm(n−1), for example. (Forming a part ofvisual target displaying and controlling means.)

And then the CPU 501, while displaying the static visual target at thescanning point Rm(n−1), waits for a response during the period in whichthe response via the first input device (for example, the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention) is not detected bythe first detection means and the response via the second input device(for example, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention) is not detected by the second detection means, in accordancewith the program for realizing the present invention of a static visualfield scanning apparatus. (A response waiting means.)

Suppose now that the subject who fixates the fixation image 2 canvisually perceive the static visual target displayed at the scanningpoint Rm(n−1).

The subject makes, at the time when the subject was able to visuallyperceive in the visual field the static visual target displayed at thescanning point Rm(n−1), the response of the static visual target beingperceivable (for example, the momentary depression of the right cursorkey 303A in an embodiment of the present invention), via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention).

The CPU 501 continues the scan of the visual field corresponding to anext scanning point (a scanning point Rmn) by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point (the scanning point Rmn), at the next scanning point(i.e., the scanning point Rmn), immediately after stopping displaying,promptly when detecting the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) through the first detection means (in this case, the responsemade by the subject of the static visual target displayed at thescanning point Rm(n−1) being perceivable in the visual field), thedisplayed static visual target (the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point Rm(n−1)). (Forming a part of visual target displayingand controlling means.)

(An immediate post first detection scan continuation means.)(In this instance, the next scanning point (the scanning point Rmn) isdetermined by the first completion judgement means and the post firstcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)(That is, the CPU 501, after detecting the response via the first inputdevice (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of thepresent invention) through the first detection means (in this case, theresponse made by the subject of the static visual target displayed atthe scanning point Rm(n−1) being perceivable in the visual field), makesa judgement, using an arithmetic unit, about whether the scan of thescanning points along the scan line (i.e., the scan line Rm) which thestatic visual target displayed in the visual field scanning screen 1 atthe time of the detection (the static visual target displayed at thescanning point Rm(n−1)), belonged to and lay at has been completed ornot (whether the scan along the scan line Rm has been completed up tothe scanning point Rmn or not). (A first completion judgement means.)

(In this instance, the CPU 501 makes a judgement that the scan of thescanning points on the scan line (the scan line Rm) (the scan up to thescanning point Rmn) is uncompleted, and designates through thecalculation of the arithmetic unit as the next scanning point thescanning point (the scanning point Rmn) that shares the scan line (thescan line Rm) with, and is adjacent to, the static visual targetdisplayed at the time of the response via the first input device (forexample, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the presentinvention) being detected through the first detection means (the staticvisual target displayed at the scanning point Rm(n−1)).) (A post firstcompletion judgement the next scanning point calculation means.)

The CPU 501 displays now, for example, a static visual target at ascanning point Rmn in accordance with the program for realizing thepresent invention of a static visual field scanning apparatus. (Forminga part of visual target displaying and controlling means.)

When the scan of the scanning point Rmn is completed by the similarprocessing, the scanning of the visual field scanning screen 1 comes tocompletion. (The scanning end point is not necessarily limited to thescanning point Rmn.)

Regarding a static visual field scanning and visual field mappingprocess carried out by the CPU 501 in accordance with a program forrealizing the present invention of a static visual field scanningapparatus, the detailed explanation will be disclosed as below whilereferring to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6, and FIG. 2and FIG. 9.

FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6 are flow charts showing astatic visual field scanning and visual field mapping process in astatic visual field scanning apparatus to be carried out by a computershown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the scanning, operation, and static visualfield mapping aspect of the present invention of a static visual fieldscanning apparatus.

FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of the display screen of the presentinvention of a static visual field scanning apparatus.

(Hereinafter, in the explanation of coordinates in an embodiment of thepresent invention, positions are described assuming that an x coordinateaxis shall be generated rightward from the origin and a y coordinateaxis shall be generated downward from the origin.)

At the step of S2 in a static visual field scanning and visual fieldmapping process, a CPU 501 generates an ID2 window for a visual fieldscanning screen 1, on an output device (for example, a display 304).

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 501 sets, forexample, the width of 660+150 dots in the x direction and the height of546−10 dots in the y direction for the visual field scanning screen 1.)

At the step of S3, the x coordinate of the upper left corner of ascanning region 1A, measured relative to a visual field scanning screenorigin 5, is substituted into a variable stcounxv by the CPU 501.

At the step of S3, the y coordinate of the upper left corner of thescanning region 1A, measured relative to the visual field scanningscreen origin 5, is substituted into a variable stcounyv by the CPU 501.

The scanning region 1A is a region where at least one scan line Ri (i=1through m) is set, in the visual field scanning screen 1, by a scan linesetting means.

(A scanning region 1A may be set over the visual field scanning screen1.)

At the step of S4, the x coordinate of the lower right corner of thescanning region 1A, measured relative to the visual field scanningscreen origin 5, is substituted into a variable edx by the CPU 501.

At the step of S4, the y coordinate of the lower right corner of thescanning region 1A, measured relative to the visual field scanningscreen origin 5, is substituted into a variable edy by the CPU 501.

The scanning region 1A is a region where at least one scan line Ri (i=1through m) is set, in the visual field scanning screen 1, by a scan linesetting means.

(A scanning region 1A may be set over the visual field scanning screen1.)

At the step of S5, the CPU 501 initializes the value of a variable counxto be 0.

(The value of the variable counx is associated with the value of j for ascanning point Rij (i=1 through m, j=1 through n). In an embodiment ofthe present invention, the value of counx+1 specifies the value of j. Atthe step of S5, initializing the value of the variable counx to be 0,the CPU 501 sets an initial scanning point (i.e., a scanning startpoint) at the first scanning point, for example, from the left on a scanline Ri (i=1 through m).)

At the step of S5, the CPU 501 initializes the value of a variable counyto be 0.

(The value of the variable couny is associated with the value of i for ascan line Ri (i=1 through m). In an embodiment of the present invention,the value of couny+1 specifies the value of i. At the step of S5,initializing the value of the variable couny to be 0, the CPU 501 setsan initial scan line (i.e., a starting scan line) to be the scan line R1(located first, for example, from the upper side of the scanning region1A). Together with already mentioned initialization of the value of thevariable counx to 0, the CPU 501 sets the initial scanning point (i.e.,the scanning start point) at the scanning point R11.)

At the step of S6, the CPU 501 initializes the value of a variablecounxv to be 0.

(The value of the variable counxv is associated with the value of j fora scanning point Rij (i=1 through m, j=1 through n) and specifies the xcoordinate of the scanning point Rij (i=1 through m, j=1 through n)measured relative to a scanning region origin 5A.)(At the step of S6, initializing the value of the variable counxv to be0, the CPU 501 sets the initial scanning point (i.e., the scanning startpoint) at a scanning point located, for example, in a left edge on ascan line Ri (i=1 through m).)

At the step of S6, the CPU 501 initializes the value of a variablecounyv to be 0.

(The value of the variable counyv is associated with the value of i fora scan line Ri (i=1 through m) and specifies the y coordinate of thescan line Ri (i=1 through m) measured relative to a scanning regionorigin 5A.)(At the step of S6, initializing the value of the variable counyv to be0, the CPU 501 sets the initial scan line (i.e., the starting scan line)to be the scan line R1 located, for example, in an upper side of thescanning region 1A. Together with already mentioned initialization ofthe value of counxv to 0, the CPU 501 sets the initial scanning point(i.e., the scanning start point) at the scanning point R11.)

At the step of S7, the CPU 501 generates an ID6 window for a visualfield mapping screen 3, on an output device (for example, a display304).

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 501 sets, forexample, the width of 660+150 dots in the x direction and the height of546−10 dots in the y direction for the visual field mapping screen 3.)(At the step of S7 in an embodiment of the present invention, the CPU501 sets the background color of the visual field mapping screen 3 to bethe color with R, G, B of the brightness being, for example, 0, 0, 0,respectively, and the visual field mapping screen 3 is set to be coloredwith the background color by the CPU 501.)(In an embodiment of the present invention, a visual field mappingscreen region corresponding to the scanning region 3A, which is definedby the upper left coordinates, measured relative to a visual fieldmapping screen origin 6, of (stcounxv, stcounyv) and the lower rightcoordinates, measured relative to the visual field mapping screen origin6, of (edx, edy), is set to be colored by a color with R, G, B ofbrightness being, for example, 20, 0, 25, respectively.)

At the step of S8, the CPU 501 switches the graphic control target tothe visual field scanning screen 1.

At the step of S9, the CPU 501 sets a background color of the visualfield scanning screen 1.

At the step of S9, the CPU 501 colors the visual field scanning screen 1with that background color.

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 501 sets thebackground color as a color with brightness of R, G, B of, for example,0, 0, 0, respectively.)

At the step of S10, the CPU 501 sets the display mode (color, size, andshape) of a fixation image 2.

At the step of S10, the CPU 501 displays the fixation image 2 of theabove display mode, at the x coordinate, measured relative to the visualfield scanning screen origin 5, of, for example, 400 (dots) and the ycoordinate, measured relative to the visual field scanning screen origin5, of, for example, 260 (dots), in the visual field scanning screen 1.

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 501 sets the colorof the fixation image 2 of the display mode to be a color withbrightness of R, G, B of, for example, 0, 0, 250, respectively. In anembodiment of the present invention, the CPU 501 represents the fixationimage 2, for example, by the symbol of ▪, and sets its font size, forexample, at 6.)(For example, a circular form may be used as the shape of the fixationimage 2.)

At the step of S11, the CPU 501 sets the display mode (color, size, andshape) of a static visual target.

At the step of S11, the CPU 501 displays the static visual target of theabove display mode, at the x coordinate, measured relative to the visualfield scanning screen origin 5, of stcounxv+counxv (dots) and the ycoordinate, measured relative to the visual field scanning screen origin5, of stcounyv+counyv (dots), in the visual field scanning screen 1.

At the step of S11, the CPU 501 stores the coordinates in a memorydevice (for example, such as a RAM 502, a HDD 504, etc.)

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 501 sets the colorof the static visual target of the display mode to be a color withbrightness of R, G, B of, for example, 0, 250, 0, respectively. The CPU501 represents the static visual target, for example, by the symbol of▪, and sets its font size, for example, at 2.)

(The CPU 501 may set the static visual target as a dot.)(The static visual target may be set in the other size.)(The step of S11 forms a part of scan line setting means.)(The step of S11 forms a part of scanning point setting means.)

At the step of S12, the CPU 501 makes a judgement about whether or notthe moment of the outset of the response made regarding the visualperception of the static visual target displayed at S11 has beendetected via a first input device (for example, a right cursor key 303Ain an embodiment of the present invention) or via a second input device(for example, a left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the presentinvention).

If the moment of the outset of the response made regarding the visualperception of the static visual target displayed at S11 has not beendetected via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) or via the second inputdevice (for example, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of thepresent invention), the CPU 501 goes back to the step of S9 to continuethe processing.

(Forming a part of response waiting means.)

In the judgement made by the CPU 501 at the step of S12 about whether ornot the moment of the outset of the response made regarding the visualperception of the static visual target displayed at S11 has beendetected via the first input device (for example, the right cursor key303A in an embodiment of the present invention) or via the second inputdevice (for example, the left cursor key 303B in an embodiment of thepresent invention), if the CPU 501 makes a judgement that the moment ofthe outset of the response made regarding the visual perception of thestatic visual target displayed at S11 has been detected via the firstinput device (for example, the right cursor key 303A in an embodiment ofthe present invention) or via the second input device (for example, theleft cursor key 303B in an embodiment of the present invention), thenthe CPU 501 moves on to the processing of the step of S13.

At the step of S13, the CPU 501 makes a judgement about whether thedetection at S12 was via the first input device (for example, the rightcursor key 303A in an embodiment of the present invention).

If the CPU 501 makes a judgement that the detection at S12 was via thefirst input device (for example, the right cursor key 303A in anembodiment of the present invention), then the CPU 501 moves on to theprocessing of the step of S19.

In the judgement made by the CPU 501 at the step of S13 about whetherthe detection at S12 was via the first input device (for example, theright cursor key 303A in an embodiment of the present invention), if theCPU 501 doesn't make the judgement that the detection at S12 was via thefirst input device (for example, the right cursor key 303A in anembodiment of the present invention), then the CPU 501 moves on to theprocessing of the step of S14.

At the step of S14, the CPU 501 makes a judgement about whether thedetection at S12 was via the second input device (for example, the leftcursor key 303B in an embodiment of the present invention).

At the step of S15, the CPU 501 switches the graphic control target tothe visual field mapping screen 3.

At the step of S16, the CPU 501 sets the display mode (color, size, andshape) of a visual target perception inability symbol such as f16, f17,f18, f19, f110, f1(n−1), f1 n, f21, or f22.

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 501 sets the colorof the visual target perception inability symbol such as f16, f17, f18,f19, f110, f1(n−1), f1 n, f21, or f22 to be a color with brightness ofR, G, B of, for example, 0, 100, 250, respectively. In an embodiment ofthe present invention, the CPU 501 represents the visual targetperception inability symbol such as f16, f17, f18, f19, f110, f1(n−1),f1 n, f21, or f22, for example, by the symbol of ▪, and sets its fontsize, for example, at 2.)

At the step of S17, in reference to the coordinates stored, at S11, inthe memory device (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.),the CPU 501 displays and records at the position in the visual fieldmapping screen 3 which corresponds to the coordinates (stored at S11),the visual target perception inability symbol such as f16, f17, f18,f19, f110, f1(n−1), f1 n, f21, or f22 representing the inability tovisually perceive the static visual target displayed at S11.

That is, at the position of the x coordinate, measured relative to thevisual field mapping screen origin 6, of stcounxv+counxv (dots) and they coordinate, measured relative to the visual field mapping screenorigin 6, of stcounyv+counyv (dots) in the visual field mapping screen3, displaying and recording the symbol which represents the inability tovisually perceive the static visual target at the corresponding positionof the visual field scanning screen 1.

At the step of S18, the CPU 501 switches the graphic control target tothe visual field scanning screen 1.

At the step of S19, the CPU 501, by carrying out the computation usingan arithmetic unit, increments the value of the variable counx by oneand stores the result on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD 504, etc.).

The CPU 501 reads out the value of the above result from the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.), carriesout through the arithmetic unit the computation of its multiplicationby, for example, 5, and substitutes the obtained value into the variablecounxv, which is stored on the memory device (for example, such as theRAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.).(In an embodiment of the present invention, the variable counx is forthe CPU 501 to cause a move of a scanning point Rij (i=1 through m, j=1through n) along a scan line Ri (i=1 through m).)(The value of the variable counx is associated with the value of j for ascanning point Rij (i=1 through m, j=1 through n). In an embodiment ofthe present invention, the value of counx+1 specifies the value of j.)

(The 5, by which the variable counx is multiplied, set the scanningpoint interval at, for example, 5, along the scan line Ri (i=1 throughm). A scanning point interval may be set otherwise.)

(The value of the variable counxv is associated with the value of j fora scanning point Rij (i=1 through m, j=1 through n) and specifies the xcoordinate of the scanning point Rij (i=1 through m, j=1 through n)measured relative to the scanning region origin 5A.)(The step of S19 forms a part of scan line setting means.)(The step of S19 forms a part of scanning point setting means.)

At the step of S20, the CPU 501 reads out the value of the variablestcounxv stored in the memory device (for example, such as the RAM 502,the HDD 504, etc.).

At the step of S20, the CPU 501 reads out the value of the variablecounxv calculated and stored, at the step of S19, in the memory device(for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.).

At the step of S20, the CPU 501, using the arithmetic unit, carries outthe addition of stcounxv, which is a value read out from the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.), andcounxv, which is a value read out from the memory device (for example,such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.), and the result obtained issubstituted into the variable stcounxvz to store in the memory device(for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) by the CPU 501.

At the step of S21, the CPU 501, using the arithmetic unit, makes ajudgement about whether stcounxvz>edx, based on the read out value ofthe variable stcounxvz calculated and stored in the memory device (forexample, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) at the step of S20, andthe read out value of variable edx stored in the memory device (forexample, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.)

If the CPU 501, using the arithmetic unit, makes a judgement thatstcounxvz>edx does not hold, then the CPU 501 goes back to the step ofS9 to continue the processing.

At the step of S21, if the CPU 501, using the arithmetic unit, makes ajudgement that stcounxvz>edx holds, then the CPU 501 moves on to theprocessing of the step of S22.

At the step of S22, the CPU 501, by carrying out the computation usingthe arithmetic unit, increments the value of the variable couny by oneand stores the result on the memory device (for example, such as the RAM502, the HDD 504, etc.).

The CPU 501 reads out the value of the above result from the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.), carriesout through the arithmetic unit the computation of its multiplicationby, for example, 5, and substitutes the obtained value into the variablecounyv, which is stored on the memory device (for example, such as theRAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.).

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the variable couny is forthe CPU 501, when having completed the scan of a scan line, to switchthe scan line Ri (i=1 through m) to its adjacent scan line Ri (i=1through m))

(The value of the variable couny is associated with the value of i for ascan line Ri (i=1 through m). In an embodiment of the present invention,the value of couny+1 specifies the value of i.)

(The 5, by which the variable couny is multiplied, set the scan lineinterval of the scan line Ri (i=1 through m) at, for example, 5, in thevisual field scanning screen 1. A scan line interval may be setotherwise.)

(The value of the variable counyv is associated with the value of i fora scan line Ri (i=1 through m) and specifies the y coordinate of thescan line Ri (i=1 through m) measured relative to the scanning regionorigin 5A.)

(The step of S22 forms a part of scan line setting means.)(The step of S22 forms a part of scanning point setting means.)

At the step of S23, the CPU 501 initializes the value of the variablecounx to be 0, which is stored in the memory device (for example, suchas the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.).

At the step of S23, the CPU 501 reads out the initialized value of thecounx from the memory device (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD504, etc.), carries out through the arithmetic unit the computation ofits multiplication by, for example, 5, and substitutes the obtainedvalue into the variable counxv, which is stored on the memory device(for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.).

(The initialization of the variable counx to 0 by the CPU 501 at thestep of S23 is for the setting of initializing the scanning point, atthe time of switching the scan line, to the first scanning point, forexample, from the left on the scan line Ri (i=1 through m). Setting thescan line Ri (i=1 through m) in the scanning region 1A.)

(The initialization of the variable counxv to 0 by the CPU 501 using thearithmetic unit, followed by the initialization of the variable counx to0 by the CPU 501, is for the setting of initializing the scanning point,at the time of switching the scan line, to the scanning point located,for example, in a left edge of the scan line Ri (i=1 through m). Settingthe scan line Ri (i=1 through m) in the scanning region 1A.)

(The step of S23 forms a part of scan line setting means.)(The step of S23 forms a part of scanning point setting means.)

At the step of S24, the CPU 501 reads out the value of the variablestcounyv stored in the memory device (for example, such as the RAM 502,the HDD 504, etc.).

At the step of S24, the CPU 501 reads out the value of the variablecounyv calculated and stored, at the step of S22, in the memory device(for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.).

At the step of S24, the CPU 501, using the arithmetic unit, carries outthe addition of stcounyv, which is a value read out from the memorydevice (for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.), andcounyv, which is a value read out from the memory device (for example,such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.), and the result obtained issubstituted into the variable stcounyvz to store in the memory device(for example, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) by the CPU 501.

At the step of S25, the CPU 501, using the arithmetic unit, makes ajudgement about whether stcounyvz>edy, based on the read out value ofthe variable stcounyvz calculated and stored in the memory device (forexample, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.) at the step of S24, andthe read out value of variable edy stored in the memory device (forexample, such as the RAM 502, the HDD 504, etc.)

If the CPU 501, using the arithmetic unit, makes a judgement thatstcounyvz>edy does not hold, then the CPU 501 goes back to the step ofS9 to continue the processing.

At the step of S25, if the CPU 501, using the arithmetic unit, makes ajudgement that stcounyvz>edy holds, then the CPU 501 moves on to theprocessing of the step of S26.

At the step of S26, the CPU 501 switches the graphic control target tothe visual field mapping screen 3.

At the step of S27, the display mode (color, size, and shape) of afixation image in the visual field mapping screen 4 to be recorded inthe visual field mapping screen 3 is set by the CPU 501.

(In an embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 501 sets the colorof the fixation image in the visual field mapping screen 4 of thedisplay mode to be a color with brightness of R, G, B of, for example,100, 250, 200, respectively. The CPU 501 represents the fixation imagein the visual field mapping screen 4, for example, by the symbol of ▪,and sets its font size, for example, at 6.)

At the step of S28, the fixation image in the visual field mappingscreen 4 of the display mode set at the step of S27 is displayed andrecorded at the position in the visual field mapping screen 3 whichcorresponds to the display position of the fixation image 2 in thevisual field scanning screen 1, i.e., in an embodiment of the presentinvention displayed and recorded at the position of the x coordinate,measured relative to the visual field mapping screen origin 6, of 400(dots) and the y coordinate, measured relative to the visual fieldmapping screen origin 6, of 260 (dots).

What is claimed is:
 1. A static visual field scanning apparatuscomprising: Means for generating, on an output device, a visual fieldscanning screen for scanning a visual field of a subject using a staticvisual target; Means for displaying and controlling a fixation image tobe fixated by the subject, during a visual field scanning, on the visualfield scanning screen generated by said visual field scanning screengenerating means; Means for setting at least one scan line on saidvisual field scanning screen; Means for setting at least one scanningpoint along the scan line set by said scan line setting means; Means fordisplaying and controlling the static visual target at a scanning pointamong the scanning points, to scan the visual field corresponding tosaid scanning point, which are set, along the scan line, by saidscanning point setting means; Means for detecting only the moment of theoutset of the response to be made, via a first input device, at the timewhen the static visual target, displayed by said visual targetdisplaying and controlling means, is perceived; Means for detecting onlythe moment of the outset of the response to be made, via a second inputdevice, at the time when the static visual target, displayed by saidvisual target displaying and controlling means, cannot be perceived;Means for generating a visual field mapping screen, on an output device,to map and display the subject's visual field; Means, through saidvisual target displaying and controlling means, for continuing the scanof the visual field corresponding to a next scanning point by displayingthe static visual target to scan the visual field corresponding to thenext scanning point, at the next scanning point among the scanningpoints set by said scanning point setting means, immediately afterstopping displaying, promptly when detecting the response via said firstinput device through said first detection means, the static visualtarget displayed by said visual target displaying and controlling meansat the time of said detection; Means, through said visual targetdisplaying and controlling means, for continuing the scan of the visualfield corresponding to a next scanning point by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point, at the next scanning point among the scanning points setby said scanning point setting means, immediately after stoppingdisplaying, promptly when detecting the response via said second inputdevice through said second detection means, the static visual targetdisplayed by said visual target displaying and controlling means at thetime of said detection; Means, through said visual target displaying andcontrolling means, for waiting for a response during the period in whichthe response via said first input device is not detected by said firstdetection means and the response via said second input device is notdetected by said second detection means; Means for storing in a memorydevice the coordinates of the static visual target displayed, either atthe time of the response via said first input device being detectedthrough said first detection means or at the time of the response viasaid second input device being detected through said second detectionmeans, by said visual target displaying and controlling means; Meansfor, when the response via said second input device is detected by saidsecond detection means, recording, in reference to the coordinatesstored in the memory device at the time of said detection by said visualtarget display coordinates storing means, at a position of said visualfield mapping screen which corresponds to said coordinates, a symbolwhich represents the inability to visually perceive the static visualtarget displayed at said coordinates by said visual target displayingand controlling means; Means, through said immediate post firstdetection scan continuation means, for, when the response via said firstinput device is detected by said first detection means, making ajudgement, using an arithmetic unit, about whether the scan of thescanning points along a scan line which the static visual targetdisplayed by said visual target displaying and controlling means at thetime of said detection, belonged to and lay at has been completed ornot; Means, through said immediate post second detection scancontinuation means, for, when the response via said second input deviceis detected by said second detection means, making a judgement, usingthe arithmetic unit, about whether the scan of the scanning points alonga scan line which the static visual target displayed by said visualtarget displaying and controlling means at the time of said detection,belonged to and lay at has been completed or not; Means, through saidimmediate post first detection scan continuation means, for, when thescan of the scanning points on a scan line is judged to be uncompletedby said first completion judgement means, designating through thecalculation of the arithmetic unit as the next scanning point thescanning point that shares the scan line with, and is adjacent to, thestatic visual target displayed at the time of the response via saidfirst input device being detected through said first detection means, bysaid visual target displaying and controlling means, and for, when thescan of the scanning points on a scan line is judged to be completed bysaid first completion judgement means, through the calculation of thearithmetic unit, switching the scan line for scanning to the scan lineadjacent to the scan line which the static visual target displayed bysaid visual target displaying and controlling means at the time of theresponse, via said first input device, being detected through said firstdetection means, belonged to and lay at, and designating as the nextscanning point the scanning point that lies in an edge of said scanline; And means, through said immediate post second detection scancontinuation means, for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scanline is judged to be uncompleted by said second completion judgementmeans, designating through the calculation of the arithmetic unit as thenext scanning point the scanning point that shares the scan line with,and is adjacent to, the static visual target displayed at the time ofthe response via said second input device being detected through saidsecond detection means, by said visual target displaying and controllingmeans, and for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scan line isjudged to be completed by said second completion judgement means,through the calculation of the arithmetic unit, switching the scan linefor scanning to the scan line adjacent to the scan line which the staticvisual target displayed by said visual target displaying and controllingmeans at the time of the response, via said second input device, beingdetected through said second detection means, belonged to and lay at,and designating as the next scanning point the scanning point that liesin an edge of said scan line.
 2. A computer-readable recorded mediumrecording a program for causing a computer to realize the functioncomprising: Means for generating, on an output device, a visual fieldscanning screen for scanning a visual field of a subject using a staticvisual target; Means for displaying and controlling a fixation image tobe fixated by the subject, during a visual field scanning, on the visualfield scanning screen generated by said visual field scanning screengenerating means; Means for setting at least one scan line on saidvisual field scanning screen; Means for setting at least one scanningpoint along the scan line set by said scan line setting means; Means fordisplaying and controlling the static visual target at a scanning pointamong the scanning points, to scan the visual field corresponding tosaid scanning point, which are set, along the scan line, by saidscanning point setting means; Means for detecting only the moment of theoutset of the response to be made, via a first input device, at the timewhen the static visual target, displayed by said visual targetdisplaying and controlling means, is perceived; Means for detecting onlythe moment of the outset of the response to be made, via a second inputdevice, at the time when the static visual target, displayed by saidvisual target displaying and controlling means, cannot be perceived;Means for generating a visual field mapping screen, on an output device,to map and display the subject's visual field; Means, through saidvisual target displaying and controlling means, for continuing the scanof the visual field corresponding to a next scanning point by displayingthe static visual target to scan the visual field corresponding to thenext scanning point, at the next scanning point among the scanningpoints set by said scanning point setting means, immediately afterstopping displaying, promptly when detecting the response via said firstinput device through said first detection means, the static visualtarget displayed by said visual target displaying and controlling meansat the time of said detection; Means, through said visual targetdisplaying and controlling means, for continuing the scan of the visualfield corresponding to a next scanning point by displaying the staticvisual target to scan the visual field corresponding to the nextscanning point, at the next scanning point among the scanning points setby said scanning point setting means, immediately after stoppingdisplaying, promptly when detecting the response via said second inputdevice through said second detection means, the static visual targetdisplayed by said visual target displaying and controlling means at thetime of said detection; Means, through said visual target displaying andcontrolling means, for waiting for a response during the period in whichthe response via said first input device is not detected by said firstdetection means and the response via said second input device is notdetected by said second detection means; Means for storing in a memorydevice the coordinates of the static visual target displayed, either atthe time of the response via said first input device being detectedthrough said first detection means or at the time of the response viasaid second input device being detected through said second detectionmeans, by said visual target displaying and controlling means; Meansfor, when the response via said second input device is detected by saidsecond detection means, recording, in reference to the coordinatesstored in the memory device at the time of said detection by said visualtarget display coordinates storing means, at a position of said visualfield mapping screen which corresponds to said coordinates, a symbolwhich represents the inability to visually perceive the static visualtarget displayed at said coordinates by said visual target displayingand controlling means; Means, through said immediate post firstdetection scan continuation means, for, when the response via said firstinput device is detected by said first detection means, making ajudgement, using an arithmetic unit, about whether the scan of thescanning points along a scan line which the static visual targetdisplayed by said visual target displaying and controlling means at thetime of said detection, belonged to and lay at has been completed ornot; Means, through said immediate post second detection scancontinuation means, for, when the response via said second input deviceis detected by said second detection means, making a judgement, usingthe arithmetic unit, about whether the scan of the scanning points alonga scan line which the static visual target displayed by said visualtarget displaying and controlling means at the time of said detection,belonged to and lay at has been completed or not; Means, through saidimmediate post first detection scan continuation means, for, when thescan of the scanning points on a scan line is judged to be uncompletedby said first completion judgement means, designating through thecalculation of the arithmetic unit as the next scanning point thescanning point that shares the scan line with, and is adjacent to, thestatic visual target displayed at the time of the response via saidfirst input device being detected through said first detection means, bysaid visual target displaying and controlling means, and for, when thescan of the scanning points on a scan line is judged to be completed bysaid first completion judgement means, through the calculation of thearithmetic unit, switching the scan line for scanning to the scan lineadjacent to the scan line which the static visual target displayed bysaid visual target displaying and controlling means at the time of theresponse, via said first input device, being detected through said firstdetection means, belonged to and lay at, and designating as the nextscanning point the scanning point that lies in an edge of said scanline; And means, through said immediate post second detection scancontinuation means, for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scanline is judged to be uncompleted by said second completion judgementmeans, designating through the calculation of the arithmetic unit as thenext scanning point the scanning point that shares the scan line with,and is adjacent to, the static visual target displayed at the time ofthe response via said second input device being detected through saidsecond detection means, by said visual target displaying and controllingmeans, and for, when the scan of the scanning points on a scan line isjudged to be completed by said second completion judgement means,through the calculation of the arithmetic unit, switching the scan linefor scanning to the scan line adjacent to the scan line which the staticvisual target displayed by said visual target displaying and controllingmeans at the time of the response, via said second input device, beingdetected through said second detection means, belonged to and lay at,and designating as the next scanning point the scanning point that liesin an edge of said scan line.